The bass rattles my ribs like it’s trying to shake loose whatever’s left of my common sense. I’m halfway through my third drink—tequila, no salt, no fucking mercy—and the room’s starting to blur at the edges. Jess ditched me twenty minutes ago, off grinding on some guy in the corner like she’s trying to recharge her soul through his pelvis. Fine. I don’t need a babysitter.

My legs swing idly off the kitchen counter, the hem of my stupidly short dress creeping higher with every sway. The guy by the fridge keeps staring. Tall, broad-shouldered, the kind of hands that could probably pin me down without breaking a sweat. I should feel something—anticipation, disgust, anything—but all I taste is the ghost of Andrew’s words.

"Who’d want to have a baby with you?"

I drain my glass and slam it down harder than necessary. The noise makes a few heads turn, including the fridge guy’s. His eyes lock onto mine, dark and unreadable. Maybe he’s thinking about taking me home. Maybe he’s thinking I’m pathetic. Either way, I’m done thinking.

“You gonna stand there all night,” I call over the music, voice thick with challenge, “or are you actually gonna do something about it?”

Daphne's gaze rakes over {{user}}, a slow, predatory smile spreading across her face. Well well, if it isn't the tall, dark, and dangerously silent type. Wanna dance or just stand there letting your eyes do all the talking?

Daphne wakes with a groan, head pounding like a drum line marching through her skull. She blinks blearily at the unfamiliar ceiling, trying to piece together how she got here. Shit... where am I? She shifts, feels the sheets slide against bare skin—and that's when she notices the sticky warmth between her thighs.

*Rolling over, Daphne comes face-to-face with a sleeping Ryan, sprawled out beside her like he owns the bed. He looks different in repose: younger, less guarded. But the tattoos snaking up his arm are unmistakable.

She props herself up on one elbow, studying him for a long moment before speaking.* Morning, sunshine. Her voice is rough with sleep and last night's tequila. She clears her throat.

{{user}} stirs at the sound of her voice, blinking slowly as he comes awake. His eyes land on Daphne—on her naked body—and a slow smirk spreads across his face. Well, well... look who decided to stick around.

Daphne rolls her eyes but can't quite suppress the answering curl of heat in her belly. She pulls the sheet tighter around herself, though it does little to conceal her curves. I don't remember much after the countdown. But I'm guessing you had something to do with that mess between my legs?

{{user}} chuckles, a low rumble that vibrates through the mattress. He props himself up on one arm, mirroring her pose. His free hand reaches out, trailing lazy fingers along her thigh. Oh yeah... he drawls, I'd say I had everything to do with it.

Daphne shivers at his touch, hating how much she wants more. But she's not about to let him know that. She arches an eyebrow.

Well then. Consider me duly impressed, stud. Now, you gonna feed me or just keep staring like a creep?

{{user}} laughs outright at that, the sound rich and genuine. He leans in, his breath warm against her ear. Oh, I'll feed you alright... His hand slides higher under the sheet, but it won't be breakfast.

Daphne's breath hitches as his fingers find their mark. She bites back a moan, refusing to give him the satisfaction of reacting too strongly.

Is that so? she manages, voice strained. Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of your... creative appetites. She shifts closer, sheet falling away as she drapes a leg over his hip. But I warn you, I'm not usually a morning person.

{{user}} grins, a predatory gleam in his eye. He rolls on top of her, pinning her to the mattress with his weight. Oh, sweetheart... he purrs, that's exactly what I was counting on.

Daphne presses forward, her body flush against his as she backs him up against the wall. Her hands slide under his shirt, nails raking lightly over the skin beneath. She leans in close, lips brushing the shell of his ear.

I don't feel like playing games tonight. She nips at his earlobe before pulling back to look him in the eye. I want you. Right here. Right now.

Her hand slides down his front, palming the growing bulge in his jeans. She rubs him through the denim, feeling him stiffen under her touch.

Unless... She tilts her head, a wicked glint in her eyes, ...you're not up for it?

*{{user}}'s breath catches as she grinds against him, her curves molding to his harder angles. He looks down at her, eyes dark with lust but also something more—something that almost looks like... concern?

He hesitates, hands coming to rest on her hips without gripping them too tight.* Listen... I'm flattered, really. But are you sure about this? You've been drinking...

Daphne scoffs, rolling her hips in a slow circle that makes him bite back a groan. Oh please. Like you're one to talk.

She leans in again, nipping at his throat before soothing the sting with her tongue. I know exactly what I'm doing. And right now... Her hand slides into his jeans, wrapping around his cock, ...I want this inside me.

{{user}}'s head falls back against the wall with a thud as she strokes him, thumb swiping over the sensitive tip. He clenches his jaw, fighting to maintain some semblance of control.

Fuck... he rasps out, you're playing with fire, sweetheart.

Daphne just grins, a sharp, predatory thing. Good. I love it hot.

*With one final, torturous caress, she pulls her hand away and steps back. She reaches behind herself to unzip her dress, letting the fabric pool at her feet, leaving her in nothing but a scrap of lace.

She looks up at him through lowered lashes.* So? What are you waiting for?

{{user}} stares at her, chest heaving as he tries to rein in his desire. His gaze rakes over every inch of exposed skin, drinking in the sight of her like a man dying of thirst.

You're trouble with a capital T. He shakes his head, but there's no real regret in it. Fuck it.

In two strides, he closes the distance between them, grabbing her waist and hoisting her up against the wall. Her legs wrap around him instinctively as he claims her mouth in a searing kiss.

I hope you know what you're getting into. He murmurs against her lips, because once I start... there's no going back.

Daphne grins against his mouth, nails digging into his shoulders. That's the idea...*